Theo de Rijk
Camps Bay
This happens most frequently at this time when “private” functions are held at the restaurant prior to the festive season.
In order to allow access to the tennis clubs, the gate from the Maiden’s Cove picnic area is left open, meaning that any vehicular traffic drives across the field to the clubs, damaging the field which is already stressed due to the lack of water.
More importantly, cars crossing the field present a danger to dog-walkers and children playing on the field as well as sports people training there.
I must stress that this is a public road and recreation area for the use of all citizens of Cape Town and access may not be denied arbitrarily.
Written authorisation should be obtained from the relevant authorities.
Len Yankelowitz, Club director of Glen Country Club responds:
The Glen Country Club have a lease with the City of Cape Town and pays a monthly market-related rental for the premises it occupies.
The road from our main clubhouse to the tennis courts is not a public road, but one that is inside our leased premises.
It was prepared and tarred by us to allow our tennis players to access the courts by car. It is not a public thoroughfare although we have never objected to any member of the public ( coming to walk their dogs ) from using it. If we decide to close the road for a function or sporting activity then that is our right.
The field which is leased by the Camps Bay High School has it’s official entry and exit at Maidens Cove and requires school authorisation for its use. All infrastructure and maintenance including the tarring of parking areas, is the Glen Country Club’s responsibility.
We have never objected to, nor turned away any member of the public from using our premises.
I hope that this explains the situation.
